Latest news with #Diyos
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Filipino bishops call online gambling addiction 'bagong salot or new plague'
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday warned the faithful against online gambling, calling it bagong salot or a new plague. In a statement signed by CBCP President and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, the group of Filipino bishops described online gambling as a deep and widespread moral issue hiding in entertainment and technology. 'Sa pagsusugal ang konsensiya ay unti-unting nagiging manhid. Tinuturuan tayong isipin na ito ay 'normal,' 'pampasaya,' o 'wala namang masama',' CBCP said. (With gambling, the conscience gradually becomes numb. We are taught to think that it is 'normal,' 'fun,' or 'there is nothing wrong with it.') The prelates noted that online gambling has become a public health crisis, comparing it to illegal drugs and other addictions, as it not only destroys a person but also a family's relationship. 'Hindi natin matiis na manahimik sapagkat ang pagkasugapa at ang pagiging talamak ng sugal ay salot, isang virus na sumisira at pumapatay sa mga indibidwal, pamilya at lipunan,' CBCP said. (We cannot afford to remain silent because addiction and the prevalence of gambling are a plague, a virus that destroys and kills individuals, families and societies.) The bishops also urged the government to impose appropriate regulations on online payment systems to restrict the public, especially the youth, from using them for online gambling. The government, they church leaders said, could prioritize the welfare of the public and not to promote gambling for the income this can generate. Meanwhile, the CBCP called on the faithful to speak out against online gambling and help addicts recover. 'Hindi laban sa pagsasaya ang Simbahan pero kapag ang kasiyahan ay nagiging sanhi ng pagkaalipin, at ang 'libangan' ay nagiging dahilan ng pagkawasak ng buhay — kailangan naming manawagan at magbigay ng babala,' CBCP said. (The Church is not against having fun, but when fun becomes a cause of slavery, and 'fun' becomes a cause of the destruction of life — we must call out and issue a warning.) 'Nais naming magpa-alala na tayo'y makakaalpas sa pagkaalipin sa pamamagitan ng marangal na trabaho, at sa patuloy na pagtahak ng landas ng katotohanan, kabutihan, katarungan, at higit sa lahat sa biyaya ng Diyos,' it added. (We remind everyone that we can break free from addiction through honest work, by continuing to walk the path of truth, goodness, and justice — and above all, the grace of God.) Proposed legislations Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed a measure restricting access to online gambling. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday proposed a measure that would impose strict regulations for online gambling in the country. Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a bill seeking to ban online gambling access in e-wallets and super apps in response to the growing clamor for tighter regulations on such games. Senator JV Ejercito, who earlier called for urgent and stricter government regulation of online gambling, said that he may consider pushing for its total ban depending on the results from studies. Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubir filed a bill seeking an outright ban on all forms of online gambling. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
06-07-2025
- GMA Network
8 Filipino caregivers from Israel return to PH
Eight Filipino caregivers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Wednesday night, July 3, following their repatriation from Israel under the government's voluntary return program for overseas Filipino workers in conflict-affected areas. In a press statement, the Department of Migrant Workers said the caregivers landed aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 0737 and were received by DMW officials as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and medical teams from the Manila International Airport Authority. They will be provided temporary housing, transportation assistance, and health checkups through public health facilities and the OFW Hospital, according to officials. Quiet resilience behind every return One of the returning caregivers, Shirley Pita, had worked abroad for 20 years and had not seen home for 15. Fighting back emotion, she expressed gratitude not only for the assistance but also for the chance to come home. 'Maraming salamat, unang una sa Diyos, at sa mga tumulong sa amin—mula sa embahada hanggang sa pagdating dito sa airport. Hindi kami pinabayaan,' she said. (Thank you, first to God, and to all those who helped us—from the embassy to our arrival at the airport. We were not neglected.) This group represents the 38th batch of repatriated OFWs from Israel since the government began its voluntary return program in October 2023. It is also the second group to arrive since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran earlier this year. The DMW and OWWA have committed to providing pathways for livelihood, employment, and health assistance for returnees. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comebacking Senator Kiko takes oath before SC Justice Leonen
Senator-elect Francis Pangilinan, who won his fourth Senate six-year term in the May 2025 polls, took his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Wednesday. In a statement, Pangilinan said he was thankful for his hard fought poll victory which is also a reminder for him to continue to always stand for the benefit of Filipinos. 'Lubos ang pasasalamat natin sa Diyos, sa taumbayan, at sa lahat ng tumaya at kumilos para sa tagumpay ng kampanyang ito. Ang panunumpang ito ay hindi lamang simbolo ng tagumpay. Isa itong paalala ng tungkuling dapat gampanan: makinig, maglingkod, at manindigan para sa bawat Pilipinong nangangarap ng mas maayos na bukas,' Pangilinan, a lawyer, said. (I am thankful to the Lord, my countrymen and to those who took part in this victorious campaign. This oath not only symbolizes victory. This serves as a reminder of the tasks ahead — listen, serve and stand firm for every Filipino who is dreaming of a better tomorrow.) 'Hindi madali ang landas patungo rito, pero sa awa ng Diyos at sa lakas ng taumbayan, ang imposible ay naging posible. Maraming salamat sa tiwala. Para sa pagkain, para sa pagkakaisa, para sa Pilipino,' he added. (The road going here was not easy, but with the grace of God and the strength of our countrymen, the impossible became possible. Thank you for the trust. For food, for unity for the Filipino.) Pangilinan, who was barely at the tailend of the top 12 winning circle in preelection surveys, ultimately zoomed to fifth place by garnering over 15.2 million votes. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
109 Filipinos seek repatriation amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions —DMW
Amid the continued exchange of air strikes between Israel and Iran, at least 109 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have expressed their intent to return home, according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac. During an Unang Balita interview on Tuesday, Cacdac confirmed that government teams are on the ground providing assistance to affected Filipinos, including one critically injured Filipina now recovering in a hospital in Israel. 'Well sa ngayon, nasa critical condition pa rin siya. Dinalaw siya ng team natin,' Cacdac said. (She remains in critical condition as of now. Our team has visited her.) 'Under the auspices of the embassy, at sa OWWA, 'yung team ni Admin PY Caunan. At ang news na natanggap namin sa dalaw ay conscious siya which is a good sign. 'Yung kulay niya noong isang araw medyo maputla, pero nag-improve,' he added. (The visit was under the auspices of the embassy and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the team of Administrator Patricia Yvonne "PY" Caunan. The latest update from the hospital is that she is now conscious, which is a good sign. Her color was pale the other day, but she has improved.) Cacdac noted that the woman has a sibling with her at the hospital, providing comfort and support. He added that the DMW has already coordinated with her family in the Philippines to assure them of ongoing government help. In addition to those hospitalized, the DMW has extended help to 14 Filipinos affected by the conflict — some of whom are staying in temporary accommodations. 'Meron pa rin tayong tinutulungan sa mga hard-hit areas kung saan meron tayong linalagay ngayon sa temporary accommodation,' he said. (We're still helping people in the hardest hit areas where we've placed them in temporary accommodations.) No new injuries among Filipinos have been reported despite fresh attacks in the region, Cacdac said. 'Sa awa ng Diyos, nagkaroon na naman ng attack kahapon. Pero sa awa ng Diyos, walang tayong napabalitaang nasaktan. 'Yung apat, 'yun pa rin ang bilang na alam natin,' he said. (By God's grace, there was another attack yesterday, but fortunately, no new Filipino casualties were reported. The number remains at four.) As of now, 25 Filipinos have confirmed they want to be repatriated, on top of the 85 who registered before the recent escalation. 'Ngayon tumatayo sa 109 'yung nasa listahan natin and counting. Eighty-five doon sa 109, nagpalista na bago pa nag-atake noong Biyerne sa Iran,' he shared. (We currently have 109 on the list, and the number continues to grow. Of the 109, eighty-five registered even before the Iranian attack last Friday.) Cacdac emphasized that repatriation efforts are being coordinated, but complications remain due to closed airspace and airport restrictions in conflict zones. When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Cacdac deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense for official updates. 'Sa puntong ito ay kailangan natin ng kaukulang payo mula sa DFA... We are also in touch with Sec. Gibo and the DND on this matter,' he said. (At this point, we need proper advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs... We're also in touch with Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro and the Department of National Defense on the matter.) Rescue personnel work at an impact site following missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, Israel June 13, 2025. REUTERS/Itai Ron Cacdac also issued a strong advisory to OFWs currently in Israel and Iran to stay indoors and avoid sharing or engaging with misinformation online. 'Huwag masyadong lumabas sa bahay. Huwag rin masyadong makilahok sa mga malawakang discussion o lalo na ang pagpapalaganap ng fake news sa panahon na ito,' he said. (Avoid going out of the house. And don't get too involved in large discussions, especially the spread of fake news at this time.) The DMW's 1348 hotline is active and can be reached locally or from abroad (+632-1348) for those in need of urgent assistance. —KG, GMA Integrated News
